The Aldersgate Group is delighted to welcome six new members at the start of 2018: SUEZ, Ramboll, Michelin, Green Investment Group, CEMEX and Bournemouth University.

Arriving on the heels of landmark environmental commitments by the UK government in the Clean Growth and Industrial Strategies and 25 Year Environment Plan, the addition of six new members to the Aldersgate Group since the start of the year demonstrates increasing corporate recognition of the investment opportunities of the low carbon economy.

As highlighted by the Clean Growth Strategy, the UK’s low carbon economy could grow four times faster than the rest of the economy, contributing up to £170bn of exports in goods and services by 2030. [1]

The new members, all of whom have made strong commitments on the environment and low carbon growth, are drawn from a wide range of sectors including transport, manufacturing, waste, consultancy, finance and higher education, adding to the Aldersgate Group’s existing strong pan-economy membership. The cross-sector corporate commitment to ambitious low carbon policies illustrates the well-recognised link between the health of the economy and that of the environment.

Nick Molho, Executive Director, Aldersgate Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome these seven dynamic new members from across the economic spectrum whose diverse perspectives will be highly valuable to our ongoing work on climate and energy, green finance, natural capital and resource efficiency. We look forward to working with our growing membership and the UK Government in the year ahead to drive ambitious environmental policy in the UK and build a competitive low carbon economy.”

David Palmer-Jones, CEO, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said: “SUEZ is very pleased to join The Aldersgate Group and to contribute to its vital work. Businesses across all sectors of the UK are increasingly embracing circular economy principles to guide their commercial activities, and this is key if we want to collectively achieve resource-efficient, sustainable, low-carbon, economic growth in tandem with world-leading environmental protection.

The UK has already made huge leaps in the past decade, shifting from a throw-away society to a culture of re-use and recycling. However, with growing pressure on saturated global secondary raw material markets, it is vital that we now quickly begin to forge a path to long-term clean growth, by carefully aligning our industrial strategies with environmental policy.”

Steve Laking, Division President, Ramboll Environment & Health, said: “Our mission is to create sustainable societies where people and nature flourish. We are in business to find solutions to our clients' most pressing needs, with improving living conditions and protecting the natural environment at the core of everything we do. We are delighted to join Aldersgate and participate in thought leadership debates to develop and strengthen the low-carbon agenda.”

John Young, Managing Director, Michelin Tyre PLC, said: “Michelin is extremely serious about its responsibility to the environment and is leading the charge in many ways when it comes to resource efficiency and the circular economy. It supports sustainable mobility initiatives across the world and hosts global sustainability events such as ‘Challenge Bibendum’ and ‘Movin’On’. By joining the Aldersgate Group Michelin hopes to bring about even greater change when it comes to issues affecting mobility and the environment.”

Edward Northam, European Head, Green Investment Group, said: “Financial innovation is central to a successful and affordable transition to a low carbon economy. We’ve already seen how the experience and capability of the UK’s green finance sector has contributed to dramatic cost reductions in offshore wind, helping establish the nation as an industry leader. The same level of enterprise has to be applied to other fronts if we want to develop a truly green and productive economy. We look forward to working as a member of the Aldersgate Group to help deliver deeper decarbonisation in the UK and internationally.”

Martin Casey, Director of Public Affairs & Communications UK & EU Public Affairs, CEMEX, said: “CEMEX is delighted to join the Aldersgate Group, whose broad cross-sectoral membership, commitment to a low-carbon and circular economy compliments well our own commitments to lower our carbon intensity and reduce emissions by managing our usage of energy and water and reducing waste generation. We look forward to engaging with the other members and the broader policy community to deliver a more sustainable future for all.”

Professor Tim McIntyre-Bhatty, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Bournemouth University, said: “Bournemouth University has at been at the forefront of inspiring learning and advancing knowledge about sustainability and sustainable development for many years having secured millions of pounds from prestigious research funders such as the European Commission and Research Councils in the UK. Significant development of the low-carbon economy is critical to sustainably enrich society. Bournemouth University joins Aldersgate Group in order to contribute to thought leadership; adding the voice and weight of a committed advocate for sustainability from the higher education sector.”

[1] HM Government (October 2017) The Clean Growth Strategy. Leading the way to a low carbon future

The Aldersgate Group is delighted to announce the appointments of Joan Walley as new Chair and Dame Fiona Woolf CBE as new Honorary President as well as the recruitment of five new corporate members: DONG Energy (UK), Siemens UK, Vattenfall UK, Interserve and BuroHappold.

Joan Walley, who has been a Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent North for an uninterrupted 28 years, will be stepping down as an MP in 2015. She is known for her remarkable cross-party work on environmental issues, especially in her role as chair of the highly respected Environmental Audit Select Committee from 2010 to 2015.

Dame Fiona brings global business experience to the Aldersgate Group, built upon a legal career in energy that included advising over 28 governments and the World Bank. In recognition of these and other achievements, she was awarded a CBE in 2002 and a DBE in 2014. She is Alderman for the Ward of Candlewick and was only the second woman to be Lord Mayor of London (in 2013-14) when she strongly promoted the sustainable economy.

Dame Fiona and Joan Walley will assume their roles from 1st May 2015, when Peter Young takes a planned step down from Chair of the Aldersgate Group after eight years. He will remain a Director.

DONG Energy (UK), Siemens UK, Vattenfall UK, Interserve and BuroHappold are all joining the Aldersgate Group and will considerably enhance the Group’s profile in the energy, manufacturing, construction, engineering and consultancy sectors. Their corporate strategies reflect the challenging but necessary transition to a low carbon and resource efficient economy that the Aldersgate Group promotes. The arrival of these new members illustrate the growing importance of environmental issues to the business world, an issue that all parties should take note of in the run-up to a General Election.

Peter Young, outgoing Chair of the Aldersgate Group said: “I have been privileged to lead the Aldersgate Group as its Chair for the past eight years and I am delighted to see our leadership in the hands of such respected and experienced successors.

“When I took over as Chair, Aldersgate was a fledgling group making the case for high environmental standards because they are good for the economy and good for business. A contentious argument in 2007, today Aldersgate Group’s founding ethos has gathered support and the Group is now the pre-eminent, progressive business voice on the environment, with many successes in changing government policy to its credit. These appointments give a strong signal that the Group is ready to plan an even more influential role in making the next government act seriously on climate change and the environment.”

Nick Molho, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group said: “Peter’s wisdom, expertise and generosity with his time have played a large part in the Aldersgate Group rapid increase in size and influence. I now look forward to working closely with Joan and Fiona to continue building on his great work and ensure that the next government puts environmental policy at the heart of its economic plan.”

Joan Walley, Chair of the Aldersgate Group said: “I have had considerable exposure to the Aldersgate Group’s work in my capacity as Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee. The quality of their work and their effort in building cross-party consensus on environmental issues has helped to inform the UK environmental debate over the past five years. I very much look forward to taking a hands-on role in that debate in the years ahead and continuing to increase the profile of their work.”

Dame Fiona Woolf CBE, Honorary President of the Aldersgate Group said: “I have watched the Aldersgate Group’s work for several years and always respected their determination to find practical solutions to complex environmental issues. I particularly welcomed their recent Manifesto Report, which is the ultimate reference tool for how to transition to a low carbon economy and to tackle other important environmental issues in a way that creates growth, jobs and business for UK plc. I am very much looking forward to working with the Aldersgate Group members and staff to assist the next government and the key stakeholders to capture the benefit of these insights.”

Juergen Maier, Chief Executive, Siemens plc said: “When it comes to the low carbon economy, most people would associate Siemens in the UK with our successful wind turbine business, but sustainability and the efficient use of energy is at the heart of everything that we do, from our transport solutions to our building technologies. For us this is a win-win situation: we can do our part as a responsible corporate citizen to help promote sustainability and it is good for our bottom line too.

“Addressing environmental issues, however, can only be achieved in partnership with others. In this respect the Aldersgate Group is a strong platform for bringing together like-minded businesses in order to develop policy solutions and undertake advocacy to tackle climate change and other key environmental challenges. We look forward to playing an active role in supporting the Group’s work.”

Danielle Lane, Head of Regulatory and Stakeholder Affairs at DONG Energy (UK) said: “We are delighted to be joining the Aldersgate Group at this crucial time in the UK’s transition towards a decarbonised energy system. DONG Energy believes the green transformation of our energy supplies is necessary and achievable. Since 2006, we have transformed from being one of the most coal-intensive utilities in Europe to a leader in renewable energy. To complete this revolution in our business model, we need the right policy framework and we are convinced that the Aldersgate Group can help us to engage with government in a progressive, practical fashion that will achieve it."

Piers Guy, UK Country Manager at Vattenfall said: “Vattenfall has supported the UK economy with investments of close to £3bn in UK wind power in the past five years as part of our shift to low carbon generation across the whole company. This is largely thanks to the UK’s ambitious action on decarbonisation and climate change. We will work with the Aldersgate Group to help maintain and develop these ambitions so that the energy industry can continue to invest in UK renewables.”

Mat Roberts, Director of Sustainability Strategy at Interserve said: “We are very much looking forward to working with the Aldersgate Group, whose messages we find particularly powerful because they come from such a wide range of businesses, civil society organisations and cross-party politicians. Our SustainAbilities plan challenges us to have a positive impact on the environment and society, while better understanding the role of various forms of capital in our business. Membership of the Aldersgate Group will give us the access to corporate peers and officials that will allow us to manage the risks and increase the opportunities of our drive towards being a sustainable business.”

Duncan Price, Director of Sustainability, at BuroHappold Engineering said: “The low carbon economy is already thriving with unprecedented opportunities for those businesses willing to tackle the problems. As engineers, we're focused on delivering creative, value-led sustainability solutions for buildings, cities and the wider economy. Now is a great time to join the Aldersgate Group to ensure we can help shape the policies that will put the whole of the UK on course to benefit from this transition. With a track record of expertise in relevant sectors that spans four decades, we’re in this for the long term.”

Andrew Raingold, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group, thanked the staff, directors and members of the Aldersgate Group in a farewell speech at law firm Hogan Lovells.

He said: "The biggest achievement over the last seven years, beyond any specific policy campaign, is the group's ability to bring together some of the most influential actors in the UK to demonstrate real leadership on the environmental agenda. We have not been bogged down by the lowest common denominator, where so many business coalitions get stuck, but have continuously strived to be the highest common denominator. We owe this track record to a committed and progressive membership that is the key to everything that we do.

"My successor, Nick Molho, is absolutely the right man to take the organisation to the next level. He has repeatedly brought together business coalitions for change and will ensure that the AG is a driving force for a sustainable economy in the run up to the next election and beyond."

At the event, the winner of the "Dragons' Den", Mike Barry, Director of Sustainable Business at M&S, said: "This is Andrew's last gig at the Aldersgate Group and he has done a phenomenal job. The reason why we are all here today is because he has led this organisation and made it very special."

The Aldersgate Group is delighted to confirm two new appointments to our Board of Directors: Mark Gough, Head of Sustainability at The Crown Estate, and Luke Herbert, Head of UK Government Affairs at Jaguar Land Rover.

Both have been involved in Aldersgate Group activities through their employers' membership of the Group.

Mark Gough said: "I am really thrilled to be joining one of the most progressive organisations in the UK. With new leadership and building upon a really strong foundation this is an exciting time for the Aldersgate Group and I am honoured to be a part of it. We have a lot to do, but I am confident that the team, members and supporters will rise to the challenge and move us closer towards a sustainable economy that works."

Luke Herbert said: "In my time working across business and in government affairs, I have seen the huge contribution that business can make in innovation and delivery to improve the environment and delivery jobs and growth. The Aldersgate Group has constantly impressed me in its ability to bring progressive business, policymakers and those with an environmental interest together around a common agenda. As the UK moves to the next stage of action on climate change whilst seeking to have an even more competitive economy, the need for the Aldersgate Group could not be greater. I greatly look forward to supporting the work of the Group in this role."

The Aldersgate Group is delighted to confirm the appointment of Nick Molho as its new Executive Director. Nick replaces Andrew Raingold who is standing down after more than seven years leading the organisation.

Molho is currently Head of Climate Change and Energy Policy at WWF. He is an environmental lawyer who started his career at CMS Cameron McKenna, where he spent six years working on commercial energy law for a range of international businesses, regulators and governments. At WWF he has continued building connections with the private sector, recently managing a joint statement in The Times that was signed by 110 businesses and industry organisations in support of the Fourth Carbon Budget. A regular public speaker, Molho also writes for a range of outlets such as The Economist Insights, Business Green and the Huffington Post.

Peter Young, Chair of the Aldersgate Group said: “Andy has done a fantastic job for Aldersgate Group and when he leaves in October he should take huge pride in the journey he has led us on, since our inception eight years ago. But we have always exploited every challenge as an opportunity to take our agenda forward and this is no exception.

“I am delighted to welcome Nick Molho as our new Executive Director. He comes with a wealth of experience in developing evidence-based policy positions, engaging with business, delivering transformation and communicating to a mass audience. His arrival is perfect timing, as we launch our An Economy That Works campaign and gear up towards making the next Government a green success. He will bring us new momentum and experience, and I expect us to go to from strength to strength under his leadership.’

Nick Molho said: “I have long been a supporter of the Aldersgate Group and its ethos that environmental policies must sit above everyday party politics and can play a key role in improving the competitiveness of our economy. The current political and financial climate has proved this point many times over and this makes the Aldersgate Group one of the most important and exciting bodies to be leading today.”

Andrew Raingold, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group, has announced that he will be leaving the Aldersgate Group in the autumn. He has played a pivotal role within the organisation since he joined as the first employee in 2007, building the Aldersgate Group into one of the most influential and progressive voices in the environmental policy debate.

He said: "After seven hugely enjoyable years leading the Aldersgate Group, I feel the time is right for a new challenge and I will be focusing on interests in the charity sector. From small beginnings, I am extremely proud of the impact we have had at the highest levels of Government and business, driving forward our mission of action for a sustainable economy."

"The influence we have brought to bear in a number of critical areas of policy, such as mandatory carbon reporting and establishing the world's first Green Investment Bank, is credit to a prominent, active and progressive membership. It has been the utmost privilege to work alongside so many leading thinkers and manage such a talented team. The Group is in a very strong position to continue to provide the expert knowledge, influence and leadership that has become its hallmarks."

Two new Directors have joined the Board of the Aldersgate Group, to reflect the Group's expanding size and breadth in membership. Rob Lambe, Managing Director of Re-Thinking Local Carbon at Willmott Dixon and Steve Wallace, Head of Environment at National Grid were both confirmed at the Group's AGM in June.

Meanwhile Terry A'Hearn, Global Director at WSP Environment & Energy has agreed to lead the Group's "Best Value Regulation" workstream. Terry spoke at the launch of the Aldersgate Group's most recent report, "Dealing with Deficits".